A lot of exciting things happening both in, and out of, the STI Medical Assisting classroom. On Monday, December 10th, they held their annual Blood Pressure Clinic in which SERSD faculty and staff, as well as students’ friends and family, were invited to participate. The clinic is an invaluable opportunity for the students to practice their learned skills with “real people” as opposed to a lab partner. More than 80 “patients” were seen which provided the Medical Assisting students with an actual management experience. In addition to taking routine vital signs and efficiently performing non-invasive tests, the students also practiced their interpersonal skills conversing with their patients and utilizing appropriate language as they explained results. Students were also required to prepare patients for tests, document results and use professional terminology. Another clinic will be held in the spring prior to the students embarking on their externships.
On Tuesday, December 11th, Rockland firefighter Charlie Williams came to STI to share his knowledge and experience as a fireman and a paramedic supplementing the topic of Safety & Emergency Preparedness for Medical Assistants. Charlie identified the safety concerns we must be aware of in the workplace and everyone’s role in providing a safe and healthy environment for patients as well as staff. Students were given the opportunity to ask questions and to discuss various scenarios with Firefighter Williams. Charlie has partnered with our MA program for several years now providing students a deeper appreciation for this important topic.
On Thursday, December 13th, the Medical Assisting students visited the Paul S. Russell Museum of Medical Research and Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital. During the visit, the students participated in a patient simulation event run by a member of the MGH Instructor Staff. Dr. Peter Truman led the group on a talking tour of the museum and Ether Dome, the site of the first surgery using anesthesia.
Although each week may not be quite this busy, Medical Assisting Director Susan Beer believes real life experiences, exposure to the field of health care, and career preparation, are just as important as classroom curriculum.